About Us

The home is where the kitchen is.

Here at Smarter it is our mission to create innovative products in the home that are stylish, practical and convenient.

Our ground-breaking connected products are paving the way for the future, by harnessing the very best in technology and using it to help improve life.

What is Smarter?

Smarter has swiftly become one of the UK’s fastest growing connected home companies, pioneering the emerging ‘connected kitchen’ lifestyle, creating innovative products that can enhance our everyday lives. The award-winning London-based company first came to prominence in 2013, with the successful launch of the first ever WiFi-enabled iKettle, going on to become a best-seller. The idea of connected kitchen products was first identified by Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Smarter CEO Christian Lane. Christian, an industry leader recognised a very real purpose for bringing more innovation to the household, particularly in the traditional kitchen setting which was ripe for disruption!

Smarter’s latest ground-breaking range of products including iKettle (3rd Gen), Smarter Coffee (2nd Gen) and FridgeCam, the world’s first wireless fridge camera, are at the forefront of delivering solutions that can save money, time, energy and food waste in our everyday lives. Smarter’s range are some of the most unique products that are now sold in over 3000 stores across the UK, Europe and North America with the retail partners including Curry’s, Amazon and Best Buy. As the Smart Home industry continues its rapid rise, so does Smarter, with continued plans to revolutionise the way we live and who are dedicated to the continued creation of a more connected life.

Christian Lane

As the CEO of Smarter, Christian Lane is a seven-time award-winning Entrepreneur and has over 15 years experience in building successful companies. As a retail expert, Christian was mentored by Theo Paphitis via an investment in his first company which revolutionised design and acquired listings in thousands of stores worldwide. Now on a mission to connect the future of buying groceries, Christian has secured retail listings with the world’s largest retailers to deliver a new way of shopping. “Our technology has enabled a traditional industry to grow as the future is based on the connection between people”. Smarter is now a leading connected home company and has been voted by ‘Tech Track’ as one of the fastest growing startups in London.

Isabella Lane

Isabella is responsible for ensuring that the visions and strategic plans of the Board and CEO are realised and translated into the day-to-day running of the business. Isabella has oversight of each department from finance to customer services keeping the various teams motivated and driven to reach Smarter’s goals and targets. As a founding partner at Smarter, Isabella has extensive experience in all aspects of the business. Being instrumental alongside the CMO for strategic partnerships, Isabella has worked with some of the largest names in the industry e.g. Bosch, Unilever, Amazon, John Lewis.

Andreas Lane

Andreas Lane is an award winning designer and has an extensive background in product design and manufacturing. Andreas has previously set up his own business in interior design and retail. As a founding partner at Smarter, Andreas works alongside the CEO, is responsible for the planning and management of product development and design. Andreas manages a team of manufacturers, engineers and developers in the UK and manufacturers in Asia. He oversees the entire product development cycle from concept, feature creation to design and mass production. Andreas is responsible for the development of Smarter’s brand and design. He has created the Smarter product range from physical products, packaging and print to the software and its apps.

Gareth Long

Gareth initially founded a business designing software for clients such as ARM, leading to positions as a developer and team lead in the gaming industry. He has also held mobile platform development lead and project management roles in the UK, Singapore and Germany. Gareth has also worked extensively in the telecoms industry. At Sendo, Motorola and Symbian, Gareth brought many successful handsets to market and acquired patents in image compression. He then moved onto wireless silicon design management at Texas Instruments and Intel, smart card, wearable and digital crypto-currency design at TransaXiom, then on to sports watch/band/fitness.

Leon Flavell

Leon has over 30 years legal experience in a wide range of domestic and international corporate matters — including numerous high-profile M&A and private equity transactions. Previously, Leon was PWC’s global legal services leader and largely responsible for ‘PWC legal’ becoming a major legal player, with over 3,500 lawyers worldwide. He has extensive experience in leading cross-border legal teams on successful execution of complex deals. Leon has a passion for new technology and is a shareholding board member of Smarter.

CFO

Daulat Sen

Daulat provides strategy and advice around opportunity and risk reports on finances to shareholders. Daulat works closely with Smarter’s in-house financial controller, to ensure that budgets and targets are met. Along with his financial role with Smarter, Daulat also sits as a member of Smarter’s Board. Prior to this role, Daulat was a senior manager in the Group Treasury function of UBS for five years and a strategy consultant with Booz & Co. for ten years, where he was one of the leaders of the IT Strategy practice serving clients across the globe. Daulat is an experienced growth management and strategy leader and specialises in technology driven business models with extensive experience of start up’s, new business ventures and PE investments. Daulat is motivated by the growth potential of Smarter and enjoys being involved in the next big thing. He has a passion for technology and is driven by supporting a young and talented team of people. Daulat has an MBA from London Business School and an aeronautical engineering degree from Imperial College London.

Ran Janda

Ran heads Internal Operations and is also the Company Secretary at Smarter, London. Ran has visibility of all the departments in the business. She has over five years’ experience in technology startups. Ran is responsible for ensuring that the business has the best working environment and processes in place. To this end, she has grown the business from four to 30 employees, overseen a major office move from Croydon to London. Ran is also responsible for HR, day-to-day internal management and also manages logistics for major exhibitions and conferences the Smarter attends. Before joining Smarter, Ran worked for Xively Ltd, an IoT connected product management platform. She had overall responsibility for the day-to-day financial management as well as supporting the growth of the company in recruitment and HR. Over the course of two years, the company experienced rapid growth and was acquired by Boston-based remote access firm LogMeIn in 2011 for $15M.

Steven May

I am the Global Sales Manager here at Smarter, understanding the global vision of our found Christian and MD Isabella is what first drew me to the company. Having the vision to work in partnership with others and the ability to develop this into a plan that can be replicated around the world is what drives me. For my entire career, I’ve loved the moment when somebody understands your product for the first time and can see how we can benefit them, it is so rewarding. I have spent almost 30 years in the electronic accessory market developing products and programs with retailers all around the world, having lots of fun along the way. I always eat something new from the menu that I’ve not tried before, I will do any sport just for fun and I always have a smile on my face.

Michael Hutchison

I am the Marketing Executive at Smarter. I handle the company’s communications, marketing, PR and media relations. As an Australian living in London, I’ve been lucky enough to have worked in a lot of different places. What sets Smarter apart is the level of innovation that isn’t being done anywhere else in the world. I’m proud to be at the forefront of helping deliver these amazing products around the globe. Not only is it a unique place to work but the Smarter team are also a fantastic bunch of people who all share a common purpose and also enjoy a good laugh together. My hobbies include all things sport, travelling around Europe, live music, writing, and a good coffee/beer/wine/scotch.

Uzzi Rafi

I am a Sales Manager at Smarter. I love consumer electronics tech. Smarter technology is unique which captures my attention and has great potential to improve our daily lifestyle! I believe in the Smarter technology and wanted to be a part of the exciting journey to make a difference! My hobbies include badminton, swimming, gym, travelling and socialising. Interesting fact about me, I can speak three languages.

Sarah Pieters

I am the Digital Marketing Manager here at Smarter. My role involves ensuring that we run effective and memorable digital marketing campaigns and activities across the globe. I’ve lived on 2 continents, 5 countries and worked with some great people from all backgrounds, which has helped me develop a very international perspective and mindset when doing business. I love working at Smarter because of the friendly people here and the innovative vision it has as a business. It’s so exciting to be part of a start-up that’s revolutionising the home and creating products that have never been created before. Outside of work, my passions are travelling, photography and anything to do with music!

Favourite Smarter Product: All of them
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
iOS or Android: Both (iOS laptop, Android phone!)

Firmware Developer

Sorin Cracana

I’m Firmware Developer at Smarter in London where I design and develop the low-level code running on the FridgeCam. The exciting thing about working at Smarter is there is a lot of potential of disrupting at least one industry. With that in mind, I intend to write high quality and reliable software for Smarter products and enable them to become a success in the IoT market. When I don’t write code, I enjoy doing sports, from long distance running to bouldering, cycling or diving. Last year I ran my first marathon and became a certified open water diver and I am planning to do a triathlon soon. Fun fact, I have a cat without a name.

Slobodan Ristic

I am a Quality Assurance Engineer with Smarter with history of working in medical (Sweden) and marine (UK) industries. My main task is quality management which includes both administrative and procedural activities such as development of company test procedures (mostly automated), defect prevention and ensuring that the product is fit for purpose before it reaches the customer. The journey with Smarter so far has been a real blast as it has given me an opportunity to have a very close look at cutting edge ways to use Internet of Things technology to evolve user-technology interaction. My interests outside of work include small interior design solutions for campervans/motorhomes (heavily integrating use of computers), as well as all the good things in life. Oh, yes I used to own brand new Palm Vx.

Roberto Annunziata

I am a Computer Vision Engineer at Smarter, I fully support Smarter’s mission to create a connected home which goes beyond simply “seeing” objects. One of the key steps towards this goal is to introduce artificial intelligence, machine learning and state-of-the-art computer vision in the current technology, contributing to this was my main reason for joining the team.

Harriet Galvin

I’m the Operations Executive at Smarter. Working in a start-up has always had an appeal, seeing a company grow and being part of that journey is a very exciting opportunity and Smarter truly lives up to all those expectations. The potential for Smarter within the IoT market is boundless and being around such passionate people makes coming into work a real pleasure. No two days in Operations are ever the same, my role is very diverse from organising and managing our international events to HR and recruitment. Outside work I will always have a camera in my hand and a party or gig to go to. I have a keen interest in psychology which is very useful when dealing with the great array of personalities at Smarter.

Emma Cameron

I’m the Customer Service Manager for Smarter based in London. Here at Smarter our customers are our number one priority. I am always working to find new ways to improve the customers experience. Through setting up new CRM systems, follow up emails, goodwill gestures and simply ensuring customers know we are always there and happy to help. For me working at Smarter is exciting, we are an innovative company that is going to change the world. I am a fan of animals, yoga, and technology. Fun fact about me Tommy Flanagan, sang football songs to me as a baby to help me fall asleep.

Jonathan Pick

I am a Project Manage for Smarter and I joined the team 18 months ago. I love the challenge my work provides, often working to important deadlines and maintaining communications with numerous clients from start to finish. I am responsible in ensuring that I’ve upheld the company’s professional expectations throughout the process and to deliver the end results on time. I work amongst a vibrant and energetic team who are equally as enthusiastic and committed toward their work and I really enjoy my role here. Outside of the workplace, I consider myself a creative, I love all things music, gigs, festivals, and counterculture.

Liban Olaad

I’m a Firmware Engineer at Smarter living in London, United Kingdom. I am a fan of technology, programming, and travel. I have several years of experience working on various projects in the Internet of Things and factory automation industry. These experiences make me adaptable, innovative and conscientious to the work involved. Skills to be cost effective and a continuous improvement to the business through concept, prototype and production introduction. Working for Smarter is exciting as we are bringing unique products in the IoT industry which is usually saturated with security products and combined with a great working environment. friendly colleagues on top. I feel proud to be working at Smarter.

Matthew McKenzie

I’m an Android developer at Smarter, building connected household products to help make the future we’ve always imaged, a reality. Before Smarter I’ve enjoyed a number of different technical industries, from industrial robotic research and development to embedded design. Creating and understanding how technology works is what I do for fun. I’ve always enjoyed connecting Android technology up to the real world and have built several interesting products over the years. Technology aside, travel is my life passion. With having wet my beak on the societies of Europe, I now seek adventures further afield, countries with more cultural variance and different lessons to teach.

Shivam Gadhia

I’m an Android Developer at Smarter. I care about team, product and crafting beautiful Android apps. What drew me to Smarter was the opportunity not only in exploring user experience challenges associated with creating a companion app for a hardware device but the FridgeCam because it has the potential to change the way we think about how we do our grocery shopping. In my spare time, I am a coffee lover, amateur Dhol & Tabla player that can do calligraphy!

Jacinto Matos

Hi, I’m the designer here at Smarter and enjoying every moment at this great company with a lovely team. Born in London with a Portuguese background from the north of Portugal and the Portuguese island of Madeira. I’m lucky as I have the best of both worlds and try to visit them as much as I can. I’m very much into technology so working for such an innovated company such as Smarter works well with my design concepts and broadens my knowledge. My interest includes photography as I enjoy travelling and taking pictures of all the wonderful places I’ve seen, I also enjoy motorcycles, in particular, Ducati and of course football having played in Funchal for CF Andorinha a tiny team but it’s where Cristiano Ronaldo first played too.

Favorite Smarter Product: All of them!
Coffee or Tea: Tea
iOS or Android: Both

iOS Developer

Abdul Mohammed

I am an iOS Developer at Smarter. I love working at Smarter because individuality and diverse thinking are encouraged. We have a positive, open and supportive environment where new and different ideas are encouraged and nurtured. We have a fun and informal culture but with serious business growth goals. I have been working on iOS programming using Objective C and Swift for nearly 7 years. I have developed lots of application and whenever get free time I usually make my own casual games which published on App Store. In leisure time, I play cricket, table tennis and soccer.

Ray Malabanan

I’m a Customer Service Agent at Smarter, born and bred living in London. I wanted to work for Smarter because I really like the startup environment. No two days are ever the same! I am a fan of music, sneakers (in fact I own over 100+ pairs), and basketball. I’m also interested in fashion and technology.

Alice Leon

I am the Team Administrator at Smarter, supporting the team by organising travel, meeting and greeting clients, managing calendars, arranging meetings and deliveries and any other tasks that the team need support. I really enjoy working in the fast-paced environment at Smarter, especially with being surrounded by so many friendly faces. Previously I worked in a range of administrative support and operations roles in the travel and insurance industries. I have especially enjoyed the support roles as I like the responsibility these positions entail. When I’m not in the office I enjoy baking, watching romantic films, pilates and going for food with friends!

Miriam Fracavallo

I’m the Technical Project Manager here at Smarter, I’m in charge of the technology delivery and I work closely with Smarter’s product and development teams to ensure that all the product requirements are met, developed and delivered on time. It is a very stressful role but someone has to do it to ensure we produce the best quality hardware and software in our Smarter product range. In my free time, I like to help people in need through different charities and baking for my friends and colleagues.

Robert Baronas

I’m an iOS developer here at Smarter. I love to be part of friendly Smarter team and contribute towards exciting new products. When joining Smarter I was attracted by the simple idea and excellent execution resulting in the creation of very successful products. I’m originally from Lithuania but have spent many years abroad, attending University in Boston before moving to the UK nearly a decade ago. In my spare time I love outdoors and keeping active, I’m a big advocate for Bikram hot yoga has been part of my routine for number of years.

Nicolae Pampu

As part of Smarter’s hardware team, I am focused on developing new products of the Smarter range that is both challenging creativity and problem solving. Currently, IoT products are on the rise, some of these products are now being used as part of the day-to-day life which is quite exciting. Previous to working at Smarter I helped develop wearable devices, such as fitness tracking and jewellery. Out of the office, I enjoy going out and spending my time with friends, travelling to different low-key locations or simply going on a long walk with my dog.

Kingsley Smith

I’m Android Developer at Smarter. Home control, IoT and smart automation are (almost) baked into my DNA and I am sure if medical science can make it happen, I will be the first in the queue. I’ve ran a home automation startup in the past, as well as retailing home automation products, but the goals of the team at Smarter are, as smart as it gets.
I’ve travelled all over the world and that’s how I like spare time. I know it’s a complete cliché, but I like nothing more than exploring new craft beers from as many countries as possible.
FridgeCam makes keeping track of specialist beers and making sure they are cool is, well, easy and … well… cool!

Carl Lewis

I am an Android Developer at Smarter, working on developing the best possible Android App to support our products. I have worked in App Development for over 5 years and have done both iOS and Android, I have worked on apps with some big clients such as Google, Facebook and Nike. I graduated in Computing and have floated around the computing world doing backend, frontend, and engineering, but settled on App Development as I enjoy the challenge of the constantly evolving mobile market and the advancements it has made in last few years. Outside of work, I am a super Geek, huge comic and gaming fan. I am also crazy about football (Arsenal) and have played football at both a professional and semi-professional level for years.

Favourite Smarter Product: FridgeCam
Coffee or Tea: More of a Rum man, but probably Coffee
iOS or Android: Android

Mechanical Engineer

Abdul Jalil

I am a Mechanical Engineer with a background in computing. I develop concepts, build prototypes and get them ready to be manufactured. I have designed and built an array of different products like mobile accessories, wireless sound systems and breathing gear for industrial applications. I have worked in the military, medical and consumer electronics industries. I love sketching and travelling the world. I’ve also developed UI and UX for iOS and Android for the band Alt-J and also created promotional marketing concepts for Magnum Canada.

Marien Mupepele Ifura

I’m a Firmware Engineer at Smarter, working on the latest product developments and aiming to help with various areas of Firmware as well as Hardware development. I graduated from Brunel University where I studied Electronics and Electrical Engineering. With over 5 years working on embedded systems products and a keen interest in connected devices, Smarter is the ideal environment for me to flex my brain power and help bring more innovations and ideas to propel the company towards more success. Besides coding, I have also developed a passion for filming, which all started as a hobby. I mainly film weddings and birthday parties. A little known fact about me is that I was at QPR FC as a youngster.

Aron Virginas-Tar

I’m a Computer Vision Engineer at Smarter. I’m a multi-skilled software engineer, fluent in several programming languages. I have experience in developing algorithms for visual analytics software using image processing and computer vision. I achieved my MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Distributed Computing at West University of Timisoara so am well placed in helping to develop the FridgeCam.

Manohar Lal

I’m a Technical Project Manager at Smarter and I’m responsible for the production schedules and deliverables. I have experience in managing and delivering projects through their entire lifecycle. I manage globally dispersed project teams to develop our products using agile methodologies. I enjoy most sports, in particular, jogging and I love road tripping in the USA.

Javier Gonzalez

I’m an Android Developer at Smarter. I love mobile applications and have worked with many, mostly in Android. I’m keen to learn new technologies, to work with innovative ideas and Smarter is a good place for this. I’m originally from Spain where I studied Computer Science. I like football, hiking, climbing and all mountain related sports. I also like food, finding new restaurants in London and spending time with my family and friends.

Favourite Smarter Product: All of them
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
iOS or Android: Both

Financial Controller

Kelly Taylor

I have joined Smarter to head up the finance department for a growing business. Having spent the last four years managing the day to day running, including the finances, of a cyber security company, I bring with me a wealth of experience.

Implementing processes and procedures for an ever growing department will see us grow alongside the technology we are building. Outside of work I can be found at the stables looking after my horse whilst my dogs run free. I love spending time with family and friends, meals out, theatre and holidays. Little known fact about me, I have a diploma in Canine Psychology.

Richard, Chilwell, UK

"I drink a lot of tea, so being able to set it to boil without having to go up a flight of stairs just to put the kettle on is a huge plus. I can’t get about very well so it’s a huge help. Plus being able to boil it whilst out with the dog for it to be ready for when I get home is great too. Thank you to Smarter for bringing such a wonderful gadget into my life. It has actually helped so much already, and will continue to do so for many years."

iKettle 3rd Generation

5.0

2017-11-01T13:52:40+00:00

iKettle 3rd Generation

"I drink a lot of tea, so being able to set it to boil without having to go up a flight of stairs just to put the kettle on is a huge plus. I can’t get about very well so it’s a huge help. Plus being able to boil it whilst out with the dog for it to be ready for when I get home is great too. Thank you to Smarter for bringing such a wonderful gadget into my life. It has actually helped so much already, and will continue to do so for many years."

https://smarter.am/testimonials/richard/

Matt, London, UK

"Found the experience of being able to use my Google Home to activate it the best part it works very well with IFTTT.
The main feature is voice activation. Having kettle ready staying warm when I walk downstairs saves me time and I get my much-needed coffee sooner."

iKettle 3rd Generation

5.0

2017-11-01T14:03:40+00:00

iKettle 3rd Generation

"Found the experience of being able to use my Google Home to activate it the best part it works very well with IFTTT. The main feature is voice activation. Having kettle ready staying warm when I walk downstairs saves me time and I get my much-needed coffee sooner."

https://smarter.am/testimonials/matt/

Douglas, Darlington, UK

"Your customer service department took ownership of my problem, kept me notified on progress right up to the time the replacement unit had been delivered. They even contacted me to ensure all was well with the new kettle. It is without contradiction the best experience from a customer service department that I have ever been involved with."

iKettle 3rd Generation

5.0

2017-11-02T12:11:25+00:00

iKettle 3rd Generation

"Your customer service department took ownership of my problem, kept me notified on progress right up to the time the replacement unit had been delivered. They even contacted me to ensure all was well with the new kettle. It is without contradiction the best experience from a customer service department that I have ever been involved with."